HVAC wall mountable connector with mounting features

ABSTRACT

A wall mountable connector is used for securing a thermostat to a wall. The wall mountable connector provides an electrical connection between a plurality of field wires of an HVAC system and corresponding terminals of a removably mounted thermostat. The wall mountable connector includes a plurality of mounting features that are configured to provide good securement of the wall mountable connector relative to the wall, and in some instances facilitate aligning at least one of the mounting feature of the wall mountable connector with a stud within the wall.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to Heating, Ventilation, and/or AirConditioning (HVAC) systems. More particularly, the present disclosurepertains to HVAC controllers, such as thermostats, and devices formounting such HVAC controllers to a wall.

BACKGROUND

Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems are oftenused to control the comfort level within a building or other structure.Such HVAC systems typically include an HVAC controller that controlsvarious HVAC components of the HVAC system in order to affect and/orcontrol one or more environmental conditions within the building. Inmany cases, the HVAC controller is mounted to an internal wall of thebuilding and provides control signals to various HVAC components of theHVAC system, sometimes via a number of control wires that extend throughthe wall. In some cases, the HVAC controller includes an HVAC controllerhead unit and a wall plate. During installation, the wall plate istypically mounted to an internal wall of the building, and the HVACcontroller head unit is removably mounted to the wall plate.Improvements in the hardware, user experience, and functionality of suchHVAC controllers would be desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure pertains generally to a wall mountable connectorfor securing a thermostat to a wall. The wall mountable connector mayprovide an electrical connection between a plurality of field wires ofan HVAC system and corresponding terminals of a removably mountedthermostat. The wall mountable connector may include a plurality ofmounting features that are configured to provide good securement of thewall mountable connector relative to the wall, and in some instancesfacilitate aligning at least one of the mounting feature with a studwithin the wall.

In a particular example of the present disclosure, a wall mountableconnector for securing a thermostat to a wall may include a housinghaving a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side, wherethe back side is configured to be mountable toward the wall. The housingmay define a field wire receiving cavity, as well as a field wireaperture extending through the back side of the housing and into thefield wire receiving cavity in order to accommodate one or more fieldwires. A first wiring connection block may be positioned along a leftside of the field wire receiving cavity and may be configured toelectrically connect to one or more field wires. A second wiringconnection block may be positioned along a right side of the field wirereceiving cavity and may be configured to electrically connect to one ormore field wires. An upper mounting feature may be disposed in an upperportion of the wall mountable connector. A first lower mounting featuremay be disposed in a lower portion of the wall mountable connector andmay be offset to the left of the upper mounting feature. A second lowermounting feature may be disposed in the lower portion of the wallmountable connector and may be offset to the right of the upper mountingfeature.

In another example of the present disclosure, a wall mountable connectorfor securing a thermostat to a wall may include a housing having a frontside, a back side, a left side and a right side, where the back side isconfigured to be mountable toward the wall. The housing may define afield wire aperture through the back side of the housing to accommodateone or more field wires. The wall mountable connector may include afirst mounting feature and a second mounting feature, wherein the firstmounting feature is offset horizontally to the left of a left side ofthe field wire aperture, and the second mounting feature is offsethorizontally to the right of a right side of the field wire aperture. Insome cases, the first mounting feature is offset horizontally to theleft of a left side of the field wire aperture by no more than 1.5inches, and the second mounting feature is offset horizontally to theright of the right side of the field wire aperture by no more than 1.5inches.

The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of someof the features of the present disclosure and is not intended to be afull description. A full appreciation of the disclosure can be gained bytaking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as awhole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing description of various illustrative embodiments of thedisclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC system servicing abuilding or structure;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system thatmay facilitate access and/or control of the HVAC system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative thermostat assembly thatmay be used in the HVAC control system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrative thermostatassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear exploded perspective view of a thermostat and wallplate forming a part of the illustrative thermostat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the thermostat and wall plate of FIG. 5,showing the wall plate nestled within the thermostat;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a wall plate and an adapterplate forming a part of the illustrative thermostat assembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the wall plate and adapter plate of FIG.7, showing the wall plate secured relative to the adapter plate;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the adapter plate;

FIG. 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of an adapter plate and awall covering plate forming a part of the illustrative thermostatassembly of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a rear plan view of the adapter plate and wall covering plateof FIG. 10, showing the wall covering plate connected to the adapterplate;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a rectangular thermostat configured to be usedin combination with the wall plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of a circular thermostat configured to be used incombination with the wall plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 14A is a schematic front view of a first thermostat secured to awall plate;

FIG. 14B is a schematic front view of a second thermostat secured to thewall plate;

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of the wall plate of FIG. 4, usefulin combination with the first thermostat of FIG. 13A and/or the secondthermostat of FIG. 14B;

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a thermostat useful for use withthe wall plate of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the wall plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the wall plate of FIG. 17, shown without thedoor;

FIG. 19 is a front view of the door removed in FIG. 18, illustrating onepossible location for an optional memory;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the door removed in FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the wall plate of FIG. 4;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of some internal components of the wallplate;

FIG. 23 is a front view of the wall plate, with particular dimensionsannotated;

FIG. 24 is a back view of a thermostat usable with the wall plate ofFIG. 23, with particular dimensions annotated;

FIG. 25 is a front view of the wall plate with the door in the openposition, indicating relative terminal positions in a sixteen terminalwall plate;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the wall plate with the door in the openposition, indicating relative terminal positions in a wall plateutilizing fewer labeled terminals;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the wall plate with the door removed,illustrating jumper functionality;

FIG. 28 is a view of the lead frame or conductive switch shown in FIG.22;

FIG. 29 illustrates a relationship between an R slider and the leadframe of FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of a thermostat configured todetermine the position of a jumper switch located in the wall plate;

FIG. 31 is a back view of a thermostat including a plunger-style jumperswitch position detector;

FIG. 32 is a closer view of the plunger-style jumper switch positiondetector of FIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a back view of a thermostat including a photo-eye stylejumper switch position detector;

FIGS. 34A and 34B are schematic illustration of the jumper switch in anopen position and a closed position, respectively;

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a thermostat in combination with aflexible wall covering plate;

FIG. 36 shows an exploded view of wall plate and the flexible wallcovering plate of FIG. 35;

FIGS. 37A-37C show aspects of the flexible wall covering plate of FIG.35;

FIG. 38 is a front view of the adapter plate;

FIG. 39 is a rear exploded perspective view of a thermostat housing andprinted circuit board; and

FIG. 40 is a rear view of the assembled thermostat housing and printedcircuit board of FIG. 39.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit aspects of thedisclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On thecontrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

The following description should be read with reference to the drawingswherein like reference numerals indicate like elements. The drawings,which are not necessarily to scale, are not intended to limit the scopeof the disclosure. In some of the figures, elements not believednecessary to an understanding of relationships among illustratedcomponents may have been omitted for clarity.

All numbers are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”,unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The recitation ofnumerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within thatrange (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural referents unless thecontent clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification andthe appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its senseincluding “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”,“some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that theembodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesare not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it is contemplated that the feature,structure, or characteristic may be applied to other embodiments whetheror not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

The present disclosure is directed generally at building automationsystem. Building automation systems are systems that control one or moreoperations of a building. Building automation systems can include HVACsystems, security systems, fire suppression systems, energy managementsystems and other systems. While HVAC systems with HVAC controllers areused as an example below, it should be recognized that the conceptsdisclosed herein can be applied to building automation systems moregenerally.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a building 2 having an illustrativeheating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system 4. While FIG. 1shows a typical forced air type HVAC system, other types of HVAC systemsare contemplated including, but not limited to, boiler systems, radiantheating systems, electric heating systems, cooling systems, heat pumpsystems, and/or any other suitable type of HVAC system, as desired. Theillustrative HVAC system 4 of FIG. 1 includes one or more HVACcomponents 6, a system of ductwork and air vents including a supply airduct 10 and a return air duct 14, and one or more HVAC controllers 18.The one or more HVAC components 6 may include, but are not limited to, afurnace, a heat pump, an electric heat pump, a geothermal heat pump, anelectric heating unit, an air conditioning unit, a humidifier, adehumidifier, an air exchanger, an air cleaner, a damper, a valve,and/or the like.

It is contemplated that the HVAC controller(s) 18 may be configured tocontrol the comfort level in the building or structure by activating anddeactivating the HVAC component(s) 6 in a controlled manner. The HVACcontroller(s) 18 may be configured to control the HVAC component(s) 6via a wired or wireless communication link 20. In some cases, the HVACcontroller(s) 18 may be a thermostat, such as, for example, a wallmountable thermostat, but this is not required in all embodiments. Sucha thermostat may include (e.g. within the thermostat housing) or haveaccess to one or more temperature sensor(s) for sensing ambienttemperature at or near the thermostat. In some instances, the HVACcontroller(s) 18 may be a zone controller, or may include multiple zonecontrollers each monitoring and/or controlling the comfort level withina particular zone in the building or other structure.

In the illustrative HVAC system 4 shown in FIG. 1, the HVAC component(s)6 may provide heated air (and/or cooled air) via the ductwork throughoutthe building 2. As illustrated, the HVAC component(s) 6 may be in fluidcommunication with every room and/or zone in the building 2 via theductwork 10 and 14, but this is not required. In operation, when a heatcall signal is provided by the HVAC controller(s) 18, an HVAC component6 (e.g. forced warm air furnace) may be activated to supply heated airto one or more rooms and/or zones within the building 2 via supply airducts 10. The heated air may be forced through supply air duct 10 by ablower or fan 22. In this example, the cooler air from each zone may bereturned to the HVAC component 6 (e.g. forced warm air furnace) forheating via return air ducts 14. Similarly, when a cool call signal isprovided by the HVAC controller(s) 18, an HVAC component 6 (e.g. airconditioning unit) may be activated to supply cooled air to one or morerooms and/or zones within the building or other structure via supply airducts 10. The cooled air may be forced through supply air duct 10 by theblower or fan 22. In this example, the warmer air from each zone may bereturned to the HVAC component 6 (e.g. air conditioning unit) forcooling via return air ducts 14. In some cases, the HVAC system 4 mayinclude an internet gateway or other device 23 that may allow one ormore of the HVAC components, as described herein, to communicate over awide area network (WAN) such as, for example, the Internet.

In some cases, the system of vents or ductwork 10 and/or 14 can includeone or more dampers 24 to regulate the flow of air, but this is notrequired. For example, one or more dampers 24 may be coupled to one ormore HVAC controller(s) 18, and can be coordinated with the operation ofone or more HVAC components 6. The one or more HVAC controller(s) 18 mayactuate dampers 24 to an open position, a closed position, and/or apartially open position to modulate the flow of air from the one or moreHVAC components to an appropriate room and/or zone in the building orother structure. The dampers 24 may be particularly useful in zoned HVACsystems, and may be used to control which zone(s) receives conditionedair from the HVAC component(s) 6.

In many instances, one or more air filters 30 may be used to remove dustand other pollutants from the air inside the building 2. In theillustrative example shown in FIG. 1, the air filter(s) 30 is installedin the return air duct 14, and may filter the air prior to the airentering the HVAC component 6, but it is contemplated that any othersuitable location for the air filter(s) 30 may be used. The presence ofthe air filter(s) 30 may not only improve the indoor air quality, butmay also protect the HVAC components 6 from dust and other particulatematter that would otherwise be permitted to enter the HVAC component.

In some cases, and as shown in FIG. 1, the illustrative HVAC system 4may include an equipment interface module (EIM) 34. When provided, theequipment interface module 34 may, in addition to controlling the HVACunder the direction of the thermostat, be configured to measure ordetect a change in a given parameter between the return air side and thedischarge air side of the HVAC system 4. For example, the equipmentinterface module 34 may measure a difference in temperature, flow rate,pressure, or a combination of any one of these parameters between thereturn air side and the discharge air side of the HVAC system 4. In somecases, the equipment interface module 34 may be adapted to measure thedifference or change in temperature (delta T) between a return air sideand discharge air side of the HVAC system 4 for the heating and/orcooling mode. The delta T for the heating and cooling modes may becalculated by subtracting the return air temperature from the dischargeair temperature (e.g. delta T=discharge air temperature—return airtemperature)

In some cases, the equipment interface module 34 may include a firsttemperature sensor 38 a located in the return (incoming) air duct 14,and a second temperature sensor 38 b located in the discharge (outgoingor supply) air duct 10. Alternatively, or in addition, the equipmentinterface module 34 may include a differential pressure sensor includinga first pressure tap 39 a located in the return (incoming) air duct 14,and a second pressure tap 39 b located downstream of the air filter 30to measure a change in a parameter related to the amount of flowrestriction through the air filter 30. In some cases, the equipmentinterface module 34, when provided, may include at least one flow sensorthat is capable of providing a measure that is related to the amount ofair flow restriction through the air filter 30. In some cases, theequipment interface module 34 may include an air filter monitor. Theseare just some examples.

When provided, the equipment interface module 34 may be configured tocommunicate with the HVAC controller 18 via, for example, a wired orwireless communication link 42. In other cases, the equipment interfacemodule 34 may be incorporated or combined with the HVAC controller 18.In some instances, the equipment interface module 34 may communicate,relay or otherwise transmit data regarding the selected parameter (e.g.temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) to the HVAC controller 18. Insome cases, the HVAC controller 18 may use the data from the equipmentinterface module 34 to evaluate the system's operation and/orperformance. For example, the HVAC controller 18 may compare datarelated to the difference in temperature (delta T) between the returnair side and the discharge air side of the HVAC system 4 to a previouslydetermined delta T limit stored in the HVAC controller 18 to determine acurrent operating performance of the HVAC system 4.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system 50that facilitates remote access and/or control of the illustrative HVACsystem 4 shown in FIG. 1. The HVAC control system 50 may be considered abuilding automation system or part of a building automation system. Theillustrative HVAC control system 50 includes an HVAC controller, as forexample, HVAC controller 18 (see FIG. 1) that is configured tocommunicate with and control one or more HVAC components 6 of the HVACsystem 4. As discussed above, the HVAC controller 18 may communicatewith the one or more HVAC components 6 of the HVAC system 4 via a wiredor wireless link 20. Additionally, the HVAC controller 18 maycommunicate over one or more wired or wireless networks that mayaccommodate remote access and/or control of the HVAC controller 18 viaanother device such as a smart phone, tablet, e-reader, laptop computer,personal computer, key fob, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the HVACcontroller 18 may include a first communications port 52 forcommunicating over a first network 54, and in some cases, a secondcommunications port 56 for communicating over a second network 58. Insome cases, the first network 54 may be a wireless local area network(LAN), and the second network 58 (when provided) may be a wide areanetwork or global network (WAN) including, for example, the Internet. Insome cases, the wireless local area network 54 may provide a wirelessaccess point and/or a network host device that is separate from the HVACcontroller 18. In other cases, the wireless local area network 54 mayprovide a wireless access point and/or a network host device that ispart of the HVAC controller 18. In some cases, the wireless local areanetwork 54 may include a local domain name server (DNS), but this is notrequired for all embodiments. In some cases, the wireless local areanetwork 54 may be an ad-hoc wireless network, but this is not required.

In some cases, the HVAC controller 18 may be programmed to communicateover the second network 58 with an external web service hosted by one ormore external web server(s) 66. A non-limiting example of such anexternal web service is Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service. The HVACcontroller 18 may be configured to upload selected data via the secondnetwork 58 to the external web service where it may be collected andstored on the external web server 66. In some cases, the data may beindicative of the performance of the HVAC system 4. Additionally, theHVAC controller 18 may be configured to receive and/or download selecteddata, settings and/or services sometimes including software updates fromthe external web service over the second network 58. The data, settingsand/or services may be received automatically from the web service,downloaded periodically in accordance with a control algorithm, and/ordownloaded in response to a user request. In some cases, for example,the HVAC controller 18 may be configured to receive and/or download anHVAC operating schedule and operating parameter settings such as, forexample, temperature set points, humidity set points, start times, endtimes, schedules, window frost protection settings, and/or the like fromthe web server 66 over the second network 58. In some instances, theHVAC controller 18 may be configured to receive one or more userprofiles having at least one operational parameter setting that isselected by and reflective of a user's preferences. In still otherinstances, the HVAC controller 18 may be configured to receive and/ordownload firmware and/or hardware updates such as, for example, devicedrivers from the web server 66 over the second network 58. Additionally,the HVAC controller 18 may be configured to receive local weather data,weather alerts and/or warnings, major stock index ticker data, trafficdata, and/or news headlines over the second network 58. These are justsome examples.

Depending upon the application and/or where the HVAC user is located,remote access and/or control of the HVAC controller 18 may be providedover the first network 54 and/or the second network 58. A variety ofremote wireless devices 62 may be used to access and/or control the HVACcontroller 18 from a remote location (e.g. remote from the HVACController 18) over the first network 54 and/or second network 58including, but not limited to, mobile phones including smart phones,tablet computers, laptop or personal computers, wireless network-enabledkey fobs, e-readers, and/or the like. In many cases, the remote wirelessdevices 62 are configured to communicate wirelessly over the firstnetwork 54 and/or second network 58 with the HVAC controller 18 via oneor more wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to,cellular communication, ZigBee, REDLINK™, Bluetooth, WiFi, IrDA,dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean, and/or any othersuitable common or proprietary wireless protocol, as desired.

In some cases, an application program code (i.e. app) stored in thememory of the remote device 62 may be used to remotely access and/orcontrol the HVAC controller 18. The application program code (app) maybe downloaded from an external web service, such as the web servicehosted by the external web server 66 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™web service) or another external web service (e.g. ITUNES® or GooglePlay). In some cases, the app may provide a remote user interface forinteracting with the HVAC controller 18 at the user's remote device 62.For example, through the user interface provided by the app, a user maybe able to change operating parameter settings such as, for example,temperature set points, humidity set points, start times, end times,schedules, window frost protection settings, accept software updatesand/or the like. Communications may be routed from the user's remotedevice 62 to the web server 66 and then, from the web server 66 to theHVAC controller 18. In some cases, communications may flow in theopposite direction such as, for example, when a user interacts directlywith the HVAC controller 18 to change an operating parameter settingsuch as, for example, a schedule change or a set point change. Thechange made at the HVAC controller 18 may be routed to the web server 66and then from the web server 66 to the remote device 62 where it mayreflected by the application program executed by the remote device 62.

In some cases, a user may be able to interact with the HVAC controller18 via a user interface provided by one or more web pages served up bythe web server 66. The user may interact with the one or more web pagesusing a variety of internet capable devices to effect a setting or otherchange at the HVAC controller 18, and in some cases view usage data andenergy consumption data related to the usage of the HVAC system 4. Insome cases, communication may occur between the user's remote device 62and the HVAC controller 18 without being relayed through a server suchas external server 66. These are just some examples.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an illustrative thermostat assembly 80,and FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the illustrativethermostat assembly 80 of FIG. 3. In some instances, the thermostatassembly 80 may be considered as an example of the HVAC controller 18referenced in FIGS. 1 and 2. In some instances, and with particularreference to FIG. 4, the thermostat assembly 80 may include a thermostat82 and a wall plate 84. As will be illustrated, the wall plate 84 may beconfigured to accommodate field wires that enter from a rear of the wallplate 84. When so provided, the wall plate 84 may provide an electricalconnection between terminals of the thermostat 82 and field wires (notillustrated) of the HVAC system 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2). In the example shown,the wall plate 84 also provides a mechanical connection to thethermostat 82 and thus may be used to secure the thermostat 82 in placerelative to a vertical surface such as a wall. In some instances, thewall plate 84 itself may be secured to an adapter plate 86 that isconfigured to be secured to an electrical junction box or the like (notillustrated) disposed within the wall. In some cases, the adapter plate86 may not be used, particularly if the field wires simply exit the wallthrough a hole in the wall. In some cases, a wall covering plate 88 maybe included to provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance to thethermostat assembly 80. In some instances, for example, the wallcovering plate 88 may be larger than the thermostat 82 and may hideblemishes left on the wall from previous thermostat installations.Additional details regarding the thermostat 82, the wall plate 84, theadapter plate 86 and the wall covering plate 88, as well as particularinteractions between the thermostat 82 and the wall plate 84, betweenthe wall plate 84 and the adapter plate 86 and between the wall plate 84and the wall covering plate 88 will each be described in more detailwith respect to subsequent Figures.

FIGS. 5 and 6 provide some details of the interaction between thethermostat 82 and the wall plate 84. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspectiveview showing the wall plate 84 positioned behind the thermostat 82 (orshowing the thermostat 82 in front of the wall plate 84), while FIG. 6shows the wall plate 84 nestled into a recess 90 in the back of thethermostat 82. In the example shown, the wall plate 84 is sized andconfigured to fit within recess 90 that is formed within a back side 92of the thermostat 82. In some cases, the wall plate 84 may include amounting tab 85 extending upward from the wall plate 84, and the recess90 may include a corresponding recessed portion 91 to accommodate themounting tab 85. FIG. 6 shows the wall plate 84 positioned and securedwithin the recess 90. In some cases, at least 90 percent of the volumeof the wall plate 84 fits within the recess 90. In some cases, at least95 percent of the volume of the wall plate 84 fits within the recess 90.In some cases, at least 98 percent of the volume of the wall plate 84fits within the recess 90. In some cases, 100 percent of the volume ofthe wall plate 84 fits within the recess 90. In some cases, when thewall plate 84 is mounted to a wall, the back side 92 of the thermostat82 may extend nearly to the wall, such as to less than 10 millimetersfrom the wall, to less than 5 millimeters from the wall, to less than 2millimeters from the wall, or less.

In some cases, and as will be discussed in greater detail with respectto subsequent Figures, the thermostat 82 may include one or more latches94 that are each disposed within a side wall 96 of the recess 90. Asillustrated, there are a pair of latches 94 disposed along an upper sideof the recess 90 and a pair of latches 94 that are disposed along alower side of the recess 90. In some cases, there may be fewer than atotal of four latches 94. In some cases, there may be more than fourlatches 94. In some cases, at least some of the latches 94 may bedisposed along one or both sides of the recess 90. Regardless of howmany latches 94 are included, it will be appreciated that the latches 94will help secure the thermostat 82 to the wall plate 84. The thermostat82 is also mechanically secured to the wall plate 84, in part, viainteractions between a plurality of electrical pins 98 extending intothe recess 90 and corresponding pin terminals formed within the wallplate 84. These will be discussed in greater detail with respect tosubsequent Figures.

FIGS. 7 and 8 provide details of the interaction between the wall plate84 and the optional adapter plate 86. FIG. 7 is an exploded perspectiveview showing the wall plate 84 disposed above or in front of the adapterplate 86, while FIG. 8 shows the wall plate 84 secured against the frontof the adapter plate 86. In some cases, as illustrated, the adapterplate 86 may include a raised portion 100 (see FIG. 7) that has a shapethat corresponds to an outer profile of the wall plate 84. The adapterplate 86 may also include a field wire aperture 101 that permits fieldwires extending from a junction box (not illustrated) or the like,through the adapter plate 86, and into the wall plate 84. FIG. 8 showsthe wall plate 84 engaged against the raised portion 100 of the adapterplate 86. In some instances, the raised portion 100 of the adapter plate86 may include mounting latches that correspond to mounting aperturesformed within the wall plate 84. In some cases, the raised portion 100includes an upper mounting latch 102 that is configured to engage acorresponding upper mounting feature formed in the mounting tab 85 ofthe wall plate 84 such as an upper mounting aperture 104. In the exampleshown, a first lower mounting latch 106 is configured to engage acorresponding first lower mounting feature such as a first lowermounting aperture 108 formed in the wall plate 84. Similarly, a secondlower mounting latch 110 is configured to engage a corresponding secondlower mounting feature such as a second lower mounting aperture 112formed in the wall plate 84.

FIG. 9 shows additional features of the illustrative adapter plate 86.The mounting latch 102, for example, may include a shoulder portion 102a that fits into a corresponding mounting aperture 104 in the wall plate84 and a latch portion 102 b that extends from the shoulder portion 102a that is configured to engage a front surface of the wall plate 84.Also, the mounting latch 106 may include a shoulder portion 106 a thatfits into a corresponding mounting aperture 108 in the wall plate 84,and a latch portion 106 b that extends from the shoulder portion 106 aand is configured to engage a front surface of the wall plate 84.Likewise, the mounting latch 110 may include a shoulder portion 110 athat fits into a corresponding mounting aperture 112 in the wall plate84, and a latch portion 110 b that extends from the shoulder portion 110a and is configured to engage a front surface of the wall plate 84. Insome cases, the shoulder portion 102 a, 106 a, 110 a may be wider thanthe corresponding latch portion 102 b, 106 b, 110 b. In some cases, thelatch portion 102 b, 106 b, and 110 b may engage a reduced heightshoulder portions 104 a, 108 a, 112 a of the corresponding mountingapertures 104, 108, 112 (see FIG. 17). In some cases, the wall plate 84may instead be secured to the adapter plate 86 via screws or otherattachment mechanisms that, for example, extend through the mountingapertures 104, 108 and 112 and engage threaded apertures (not shown)within the adapter plate 86.

FIGS. 10 and 11 provide details of the interaction between the wallcovering plate 88 and the adapter plate 86. FIG. 10 is a rear explodedview showing the wall covering plate 88 disposed in front of the adapterplate 86, while FIG. 11 is a rear plan view showing the wall coveringplate 88 secured to the adapter plate 86. While the wall plate 84 is notshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, it will be appreciated that the wall coveringplate 88 may include a wall plate aperture 120 that is sized and shapedto accommodate the wall plate 84. Accordingly, the wall covering plate88 may be secured to the adapter plate 86 with the wall plate 84 alreadysecured to the adapter plate 86, as seen for example in FIG. 8. Thisalso means that the wall covering plate 88 may be removed from theadapter plate 86, with the wall plate 84 still secured to the adapterplate 86. For example, the wall covering plate 88 may be temporarilyremoved for painting or wall papering, or other decorative techniques,then subsequently re-secured to the adapter plate 86. Accordingly, thewall covering plate 88 may be removed, installed, or reinstalled whilethe wall plate 84 is secured to the adapter plate 86 and moreoverremains electrically coupled to the HVAC system 4 (FIGS. 1 and 2) viafield wires secured to wiring terminals of the wall plate 84.

In the example shown, the wall covering plate 88 may include a firstattachment clip 122 disposed on a first side of the wall plate aperture120 and a second attachment clip 124 disposed on a second, opposingside, of the wall plate aperture 120. The adapter plate 86 may include afirst aperture 126 and a second aperture 128, with the first aperture126 configured to accommodate the first attachment clip 122 and thesecond aperture 128 configured to accommodate the second attachment clip124. In some cases, the first aperture 126 and the second aperture 128are disposed along or just outside an edge of the raised portion 100,meaning that the wall plate 84 does not interfere with securement of thewall covering plate 88 to the adapter plate 86. With brief reference toFIG. 8, it can be seen that the second aperture 128 is visible, and thusaccessible, with the wall plate 84 secured in position on the adapterplate 86.

In some cases, if the adapter plate 86 is not used, the wall plateaperture 120 may be dimensioned to provide a frictional fit with thesides of the wall plate 84. Alternatively, or in addition, the wallcovering plate 88 may be held against a vertical surface such as a wallby virtue of being trapped between the wall and the back 92 of thethermostat 82.

As shown for example in FIG. 3, the thermostat 82 may have asubstantially square front profile. While the sides of the thermostat 82may be angled or curved, the front face of the thermostat 82 may besquare or rectangular. While the front face of the thermostat 82 isillustrated as being a touch screen, in some cases it will beappreciated that the front face of the thermostat 82 may include, forexample, one or more buttons separate from the screen. A back of thethermostat 82, as seen for example in FIG. 6, may be square orrectangular. While a square or rectangular shaped profile is used as oneexample, it is completed that the thermostat may have any suitable shapeor profile as desired (e.g. see FIGS. 12-14B).

It will be appreciated that thermostats having other configurations maybe configured to work with the wall plate 84 and optionally with theadapter plate 86 and/or the wall covering plate 88. In some cases, avariety of different thermostats may be used with the wall plate 84. Asa result, a first thermostat may be removed from the wall plate 84 andmay be disposed of. A second thermostat, which may have the same shapeas the first thermostat, or which may have a different shape, may thenbe secured to the same wall plate 84. In some cases, for example, thewall plate 84 may be considered as being a universal wall plate,enabling installation of a variety of different thermostats withouthaving to disconnect the field wires from the first thermostat and thenconnect the field wires to the second thermostat. Rather, one may simplypull the first thermostat off the wall plate 84 and subsequently pushthe second thermostat onto the wall plate 84 in order to install thesecond thermostat without requiring any tools or wiring knowledge.Further, a thermostat may be easily and temporarily removed forpainting, for example, and subsequently snapped back into place on thewall plate 84 afterwards.

While thermostats may take any desired shape, size or configuration,FIGS. 12 and 13 provide illustrative but non-limiting examples ofthermostats that may be configured to work with the wall plate 84. FIG.12 is a back view of a thermostat 130 having a rectangular profile. Thethermostat 130 includes the same recess 90, including the recessedportion 91 that was shown on the back of the thermostat 82 (FIG. 5).Accordingly, the thermostat 130 may be used in combination with the wallplate 84, and optionally with the adapter plate 86 and/or the wallcovering plate 88. It will be appreciated that in some cases, the wallcovering plate 88, although illustrated as having substantially squareprofile, may be modified to have a rectangular profile to better fitbehind the thermostat 130.

FIG. 13 is a back view of a thermostat 132 having a circular profile.The thermostat 132 includes the same recess 90, including the recessedportion 91 that was shown on the back of the thermostat 82 (FIG. 5).Accordingly, the thermostat 132 may be used in combination with the wallplate 84, and optionally with the adapter plate 86 and/or the wallcovering plate 88. It will be appreciated that in some cases, the wallcovering plate 88, although illustrated as having substantially squareprofile, may be modified to have a circular profile to better fit behindthe thermostat 132.

As noted, in some cases the wall plate 84 may be considered as being auniversal wall plate, usable with any number of different thermostatconfigurations. FIG. 14A illustrates a first thermostat 140 that issecured in position on the wall plate 84. Since this is a front view ofthe thermostat 140, it will be appreciated that the wall plate 84 isshown in phantom. FIG. 14B illustrates a second thermostat 142 that issecured in position on the wall plate 84. In some cases, the firstthermostat 140 may represent an initially or previously installedthermostat, and the second thermostat 142 may represent a replacementthermostat. In some instances, and as will be discussed in greaterdetail with respect to subsequent Figures, in some cases the wall plate84 is configured to enable a user to remove the first thermostat 140from the wall plate 84 and to install a new, different, thermostat suchas the second thermostat 142, without having to disconnect and connectany field wires that are operably coupled with the wall plate 84. Forexample, the second thermostat 142 may have enhanced features that arenot present in the first thermostat 140.

In some cases, the first thermostat 140 may have stored information suchas stored configuration information that may be useful to the secondthermostat 142. For example, the stored information may includethermostat configuration data, such as but not limited to, thermostatscheduling data such as a programmable schedule, information about theHVAC system that is to be controlled (e.g. furnace type, number ofstages, etc.), thermostat settings (e.g. WiFi password, low temperaturelimit), contractor information (e.g. contractor name, address,contractor information, and logo), and/or other information. In somecases, the stored information may include login information for a localwireless source and/or a remote server, such as that referenced in FIG.2.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a wall plate 144 that may beconsidered as representing the wall plate 84 (FIG. 2) and that may beused in combination with the first thermostat 140 and/or the secondthermostat 142. The illustrative wall plate 144 includes a housing 146that may be configured to be mounted to a wall and is configured toprovide a standardized mechanical connection between the wall plate 144and each of the first thermostat 140, the second thermostat 142 (and insome cases other thermostats that are in a line of compatiblethermostats). The wall plate 144 may include a field wiring connectionblock 148 that is configured to provide an electrical connection betweenthe wall plate 144 and a plurality of field wires that are coupled withthe HVAC system 4 (FIG. 1). In some cases, the field wiring connectionblock 148 may be replaced by a wireless connection block that isconfigured to provide wireless communication between the wall plate 144and an HVAC system 4 that is to be controlled via the wall plate 144. Athermostat connection block 150 may provide a standardized electricalconnection between the wall plate 144 and the thermostats 140, 142. Thewall plate 144 may be electrically coupled to the thermostat 140, 142via the thermostat connection block 150, and the wall plate 144 may becommunicatively coupled to the HVAC system 4 via the field wiringconnection block 148 and/or the wireless connection block (not shown).When so provided, there may be a standardized mechanical and electricalconnection to the wall plate 144 such that the first thermostat 140 maybe removed and replaced with the second thermostat 142.

In some cases, the wall plate 144 may further include a memory 152 thatis configured to store data and/or other information that wascommunicated to the memory 152 by a first thermostat from a line ofcompatible thermostats (e.g. from first thermostat 140). In some cases,the data and/or other information may be communicated from the firstthermostat automatically or on-command. In some cases, the memory 152may be configured to communicate the stored data and/or information to asubsequently installed second thermostat from the line of compatiblethermostat (e.g. to the second thermostat 142). In some cases, thememory 152 may be configured to communicate with each thermostat in theline of compatible thermostats. In some instances, for example, thememory 152 may be configured to, automatically or on-command,communicate the stored data and/or information to the subsequentlyinstalled second thermostat to at least partially configure thesubsequently installed second thermostat using settings from the firstthermostat. This information may include thermostat configuration data,such as but not limited to, thermostat scheduling data such as aprogrammable schedule, information about the HVAC system that is to becontrolled (e.g. furnace type, number of stages, etc.), thermostatsettings (e.g. WiFi password, low temperature limit), contractorinformation (e.g. contractor name, address, contractor information, andlogo), and/or other information. In some cases, the stored informationmay include login information for a local wireless source and/or aremote server, such as that referenced in FIG. 2.

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative thermostat 160which may be used in combination with the wall plate 144 and which mayschematically represent the first thermostat 140 and/or the secondthermostat 142 discussed above. The thermostat 160 is illustrated ashaving a housing 161 with a rear face 162 and a front face (not visible)164 and side walls 166 extending between the rear face 162 and the frontface 164. A rear-facing recess 168 is disposed within the rear face 162of the housing 161 and extends toward the front face 164. Therear-facing recess 168 includes a bottom surface 170, upper and lowerside walls 172 and left and right side walls 174 (with respect to theillustrated orientation). The rear-facing recess 168 may, for example,be configured to receive at least part of the wall plate 144. In somecases, the rear-facing recess 168 of the thermostat is configured toreceive at least 30 percent of the wall plate 144 before the thermostatconnection block 150 (see FIG. 15) electrically connects the thermostat160 to the wall plate 144. This may help first mechanically align thethermostat 160 to the wall plate 144 before the thermostat connectionblock 150 electrically connects the thermostat 160 to the wall plate144. In some cases, the rear-facing recess 168 is dimensioned such thatthe rear-facing recess 168 is able to receive at least 80 percent of thewall plate 144 before the standardized mechanical connection between thewall plate 144 and the thermostat 160 (e.g. latches 94) becomes fullyengaged.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the illustrative wall plate 84. Theillustrative wall plate 84 includes a housing 180 having a front side182 and a back side 184 that is configured to be mountable to a wall. Insome cases, the back side 184 may be configured to be mounted directlyto a wall. In some cases, the back side 184 may be configured to bemounted to a wall via connection to an adapter plate such as the adapterplate 86. The back side 184 of the illustrative wall plate may be seen,for example, in FIG. 5. The illustrative wall plate 84 includes a door194 that is movable between a closed position, as shown in FIG. 17, andan open position, as shown in FIG. 25.

As noted, the wall plate 84 may be secured relative to a verticalsurface such as a wall by using the upper mounting aperture 104, thefirst lower mounting aperture 108 and/or the second lower mountingaperture 112, sometimes using fasteners such as screws, nails or thelike. In some cases, having a total of three mounting apertures 104,108, 112 may make it easier, particularly when mounting directly to awall, to hit a wall stud with at least one of the fasteners. In somecases, it will be appreciated that having three mounting apertures 104,108, 112, particularly arranged at the vertices of a triangle, may besufficient to securely fasten the wall plate 84 to a wall or to theadapter plate 86 without requiring a fourth mounting aperture andcorresponding fastener. In some cases, the upper mounting aperture 104,the first lower mounting aperture 108 and the second lower mountingaperture 112 may be considered as being located at the vertices of anisosceles triangle, but this is not required. In some cases, the uppermounting aperture 104, the first lower mounting aperture 108 and thesecond lower mounting aperture 112 may be considered as being located atthe vertices of an equilateral triangle, but this is not required.

In some instances, it will be appreciated that the first lower mountingaperture 108 may be disposed within a lower portion of the wall plate 84and may be offset to the left of the upper mounting aperture 104.Similarly, the second lower mounting aperture 112 may be disposed withina lower portion of the wall plate 84 and may be offset to the right ofthe upper mounting aperture 104. In some instances, the upper mountingaperture 104 may be or otherwise may include a vertically alignedelongate slot, meaning that the upper mounting aperture 104 may have aheight that is greater than a width of the upper mounting aperture 104.In some cases, the first lower mounting aperture 108 may be or otherwisemay include an elongate slot that, as illustrated, is orientateddiagonally, extending from an upper position at the left side of theelongate slot to a lower position at the right side of the elongateslot. In some cases, the second lower mounting aperture 112 may be ormay otherwise include an elongate slot that is oriented diagonally,extending from a lower position at the left side of the slot to an upperposition at the right side of the elongate slot. The elongated shape ofthe slots may provide some leeway in the orientation (e.g. verticaland/or rotational orientation) of the wall plate 84 relative to thefasteners, which may be particularly beneficial when the precisepositioning of the fasteners may vary from installation to installation.

In some cases, the upper mounting aperture 104 may include a reducedheight shoulder portion 104 a that may be configured to accommodate afastener head or, as shown in FIG. 8, a corresponding mounting latch. Insome instances, the first lower mounting aperture 108 may include areduced height shoulder portion 108 a that may be configured toaccommodate a fastener head or, as shown in FIG. 8, a correspondingmounting latch. In some instances, the second lower mounting aperture112 may include a reduced height shoulder portion 112 a that may beconfigured to accommodate a fastener head or, as shown in FIG. 8, acorresponding mounting latch.

FIG. 18 shows the wall plate 84 with the door 194 removed in order toreference additional features of the wall plate 84. In some cases, thehousing 180 includes a recess 212 that at least partially accommodatesor receives the door 194 when the door 194 is in the closed position. Insome instances, and as seen in FIG. 18, the housing 180 may beconsidered as defining a field wire receiving cavity 186. The housing180 also defines a field wire aperture 188 that extends through the backside 184 of the housing 180 and into the field wire receiving cavity186. In some cases, the field wire receiving cavity 186 may beconsidered as being a space in front of the field wire aperture 188. Insome cases, the sides of the field wire receiving cavity 186 may bebeveled to provide easier access to wiring terminals of the wall plate84 and to facilitate attachment of field wires.

In some cases, the first lower mounting aperture 108 may be offset tothe left of a left side 188 a of the field wire aperture 188 by adistance that is no more than 1.5 inches. In some cases, the secondlower mounting aperture 112 may be offset to the right of a right side188 b of the field wire aperture 188 by a distance that is no more than1.5 inches. The field wire aperture 188 may be configured to accommodateone or more field wires exiting the wall and passing through the fieldwire aperture 188. In some cases, the wall plate 84 may include a firstwiring connection block 190 that is positioned along the left side ofthe field wire receiving cavity 186 and that is configured toelectrically connect to one or more field wires. A second wiringconnection block 192 may be positioned along the right side of the fieldwire receiving cavity 186 and may be configured to electrically connectto one or more field wires. In some cases, a front side of the fieldwire receiving cavity 186 may be open to allow a user to gain access andto electrically connect one or more field wires that are in the fieldwire receiving cavity 186 to the first wiring connection block 190 andto connect one or more other field wires to the second wiring connectionblock 192. It will be appreciated that in FIG. 18, a door 194 (seen inFIG. 19) has been removed for clarity. In some cases, as can be seen inFIG. 19, the door 194 may include a hinge portion 196 that interactswith a corresponding hinge portion 198 on the wall plate 84 (FIG. 18) toenable the door to be opened or closed as desired without entirelyremoving the door 194 from the wall plate 84.

In some cases, the wall plate 84 may, as referenced with respect to FIG.15 and wall plate 144, include a memory 200 that may be configured tostore data, settings and/or other information that is communicated by aninitially installed thermostat, such as but not limited to, the firstthermostat 140 (FIG. 14A), and to communicate the stored data, settingsand/or other information to a subsequently installed second thermostatsuch as, but not limited to, the second thermostat 142 (FIG. 14B). Insome cases, the memory 200 may be disposed somewhere within the fieldwire receiving cavity 186. In some cases, the memory 200 may be securedto a back side of the door 194, as shown in phantom in FIG. 19. In somecases, as can be seen for example by comparing FIG. 17 with FIG. 18,when the door 194 is in the closed position (as seen in FIG. 17), thedoor 194 covers the front side of the field wire receiving cavity 186,the first wiring connection block 190 and the second wiring connectionblock 192. When the door 194 is in the open position (effectivelyillustrated in FIG. 18), the user gains access to the field wirereceiving cavity 186, the first wiring connection block 190 and thesecond wiring connection block 192.

In some cases, as illustrated, the door 194 may include a hinge 196,sometimes located at or near a lower end 206 of the door 194. Asecurement 204 may be disposed at or near an upper end 208 of the door194, and may be configured to releasably secure the door 194 in theclosed position. As illustrated, the door 194 may include a pair ofsecurements 204. In some cases, the door 194 may include only a singlesecurement 204 or may include three or more individual securements 204.In some cases, the door 194 may include a graspable portion 202 (e.g.lip or tab) that helps the user to grasp and open the door 194 and tomove the door 194 from the closed position to the open position. Asillustrated, the graspable portion 202 may include an upward extendinglip that spans across the upper end 208 of the door 194. In some cases,the graspable portion 202 may be disposed near the securements 204.

In the example shown, the door 194 includes an inner surface 210. Insome cases, the inner surface 210 may include printed information.Illustrative but non-limiting examples of such printed informationinclude text instructing the user to check a website for thermostatcompatibility information, or text providing the user with instructionssuch as how to strip the insulation off of the field wires, and a scaleddiagram showing how much insulation to strip off. The scale of thediagram can be 1:1, which may allow the user to use the diagram tomeasure out how much insulation to strip off. This can be seen, forexample, in FIGS. 25 and 26.

Returning to FIG. 18, the wall plate 84 may include a first connectionblock 220 that is disposed on a first side of the field wire receivingcavity 186 and a second connection block 222 that is disposed on asecond side of the field wire receiving cavity 186. It will beappreciated that the first connection block 220 may include the firstwiring connection block 190 and the second connection block 222 mayinclude the second wiring connection block 192. The first connectionblock 220 also includes a first column 224 of pin terminals and thesecond connection block 222 also includes a second column 226 of pinterminals. It will be appreciated that the first column 224 of pinterminals may be configured to accommodate a first column of pinsextending backward from the thermostat, and the second column 226 of pinterminals may be configured to accommodate a second column of pinsextending backward from the thermostat. The pin terminals extendingbackward from the thermostat may be seen, for example, in FIG. 5.

In some cases, the first wiring connection block 190 may be consideredas being a first column of wiring terminals 228 and the second wiringconnection block 192 may be considered as being a second column ofwiring terminals 230. As will be illustrated, each of the wiringterminals 228 may be electrically coupled with a corresponding pinterminal of the first column 224 of pin terminals. Similarly, each ofthe wiring terminals 230 may be electrically coupled with acorresponding pin terminal of the second column 226 of pin terminals. Itwill be appreciated that when the door 194 is closed, the first column224 of pin terminals and the second column 226 of pin terminals remainaccessible while the first column of wiring terminals 228 and the secondcolumn of wiring terminals 230 may be inaccessible to the user. In somecases, a first set of labels labeling the first column of wiringterminals 228 and/or a second set of labels labeling the second columnof wiring terminals 230, discussed subsequently, may be disposed withinthe recess 212, and thus may be visible when the door 194 is in the openposition but hidden when the door 194 is in the closed position. Thislabeling may be seen, for example, in FIGS. 25 and 26.

FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the wall plate 84, providing a betterview of some of the components that together form the wall plate 84. Insome cases, as illustrated, the housing 180 may include a front housingportion 180 a and a back housing portion 180 b. In some instances, thehousing 180 may include three or more molded sections or portions. Insome cases, the housing 180 may be molded as a single molded structure.It will be appreciated that, in the example shown, the front housingportion 180 a and the back housing portion 180 b cooperate to providespace for and to secure a plurality of conductive contact members thatare arranged into a first column of conductive contact members 240 and asecond column of conductive contact members 242. It will be appreciatedthat the first column of conductive contact members 240 may be disposedon the left side of the field wire receiving cavity 186 and mayelectrically couple each of the first column of wiring terminals 228(formed by the first wiring connection block 190) with a correspondingone of the first column of pin terminals 224. Similarly, the secondcolumn of conductive contact members 242 may be disposed on the rightside of the field wire receiving cavity 186 and may electrically coupleeach of the second column of wiring terminals 230 (formed by the secondwiring connection block 192) with a corresponding one of the secondcolumn of pin terminals 226.

A first column of levers 244 are disposed on the left side of the fieldwire receiving cavity 186. Each of the first column of levers 244 may beconfigured to accommodate one of the first plurality of conductivecontact members 240 within the lever 244. A second column of levers 246are disposed on the right side of the field wire receiving cavity 186.Each of the second column of levers 246 may be configured to accommodateone of the second plurality of conductive contact members 242. In somecases, inserting a field wire into one of the wiring terminals 228 or230 causes the corresponding lever 244 or 246 to deflect partially,providing an indication that a field wire has been inserted into thecorresponding wiring terminal 228 or 230. In some cases, the levers arevisible to the user even when the door 194 is closed (e.g. see FIGS. 4and 7), and therefore a user may be able to determine which terminalshave a corresponding field wire connected by viewing whether thecorresponding lever is partially deflected or not.

In some cases, a lead frame 248 may fit into a corresponding recess 250formed within the back housing portion 180 b. The wall plate 84 mayinclude a U terminal slider 252 and an R terminal slider 254, both ofwhich will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter.

Interactions between some of these components may be seen in FIG. 22,which is a view of the wall plate 84 with the front housing portion 180a, the back housing portion 180 b and the door 194 removed. As can beseen, each of the first plurality of conductive contact members 240 fitinto a corresponding one of the first column of levers 244. Similarly,each of the second plurality of conductive contact members 242 fit intoa corresponding one of the second column of levers 246. As will bediscussed subsequently, the lead frame 248, the U terminal slider 252and the R terminal slider 254 may cooperate to selectively electricallyconnect or disconnect several of the wiring terminals 228 and/or 230.With particular attention to the lowermost of the first plurality ofconductive contact members 240, labeled here as conductive contactmember 260, it can be seen that the conductive contact member 260 has afirst end 262 that is configured to make physical and electrical contactwith a field wire that is inserted into the corresponding wiringterminal 228. The conductive contact member 260 also has a second end264 that is configured to make physical and electrical contact with apin (extending backward from a thermostat) that is inserted into thecorresponding pin terminal 224. Accordingly, the conductive contactmember 260 may be configured to provide an electrical connection betweena wiring terminal 228 and the corresponding pin terminal 224. In somecases, the conductive contact member 260 may be flex when a field wirethat is inserted into the corresponding wiring terminal 228 and/or whena pin is inserted into the corresponding pin terminal 224. This flex maycause the conductive contact member 260 to provide a mechanical biasforce against the field wire and/or pin terminal 224, which can helpprovide a friction connection therebetween. This friction connection canhelp hold the field wire in place and/or help hold the thermostat pinand thus the thermostat to the wall plate 84.

FIG. 23 is a front view of the wall plate 84, annotated to defineseveral dimensions. In some cases, as illustrated, the first column ofpin terminals 224 may be at least substantially parallel with the secondcolumn of pin terminals 226. In this, substantially parallel may bedefined as being within about plus or minus 10 degrees from a geometricparallel. In some cases, the first column of pin terminals 224 is spaceda distance labeled D₁ from the second column of pin terminals 226. Insome instances, D₁ may range from 30 millimeters (mm) to 60 mm. In someinstances, D₁ may range from 40 mm to 50 mm. In some instances, D₁ maybe about 44.5 mm, where “about” refers to plus or minus ten percent. Thewall plate 84 may have an overall width that is labeled as D₂ and anoverall height that is labeled as D₃. In some instances, D₂ may be lessthan about 60 mm and D₃ may be less than about 70 mm. In some cases,there may be a spacing labeled D₄ between adjacent pins. D₄ may be about15 mm or less, 10 mm or less, 5 mm or less, or another suitabledimension. In some cases, the spacing between adjacent pins labeled D₄may be about 5 mm. It will be appreciated that a thermostat made to besecured to the wall plate 84, such as the thermostat 82, 130, 132, 140,142, 160 may have inter-pin and inter-pin column spacing thatcorresponds to that of the wall plate 84.

In some instances, the housing 180 of the wall plate 84 may beconsidered as including a male portion 270. In some cases, the maleportion 270 may be considered as being a portion of the wall plate 84that extends into the recess 90 formed in the back of the thermostat 82,for example. In some cases, the male portion 270 may be considered asforming all of the housing 180. In some instances, the male portion 270may be the portion of the housing 180 that extends outwardly fartherthan the mounting tab 85. In some cases, the first column of pinterminals 224 may be parallel with and vertically aligned with thesecond column of pin terminals 226. In some cases, the first column ofpin terminals 224 and the second column of pin terminals 226 may bevertically asymmetric, meaning that they are not vertically centered onthe wall plate 84, but instead are disposed closer to a top 272 of thehousing 180 than they are to a bottom 274 of the housing 180. In somecases, a top pin terminal 224, 226 may be spaced from the top 272 adistance that is labeled as D₅ while a bottom pin terminal 224, 226 maybe spaced from the bottom 274 a distance that is labeled as D₆. D₆ maybe larger than D₅. In some cases, D₅ may be less than about 8 mm. D₅ maybe between about 4.5 mm and about 6.5 mm. D₆ may be about 18 mm or less.In some cases, D₆ may be between about 14.5 mm and about 16.5 mm.

FIG. 24 is a back plan view of the thermostat 82 usable with the wallplate 84 of FIG. 23, with particular dimensions annotated. For example,D₇, which indicates a spacing between a first column of pins 280 and asecond column of pins 282 may be about the same as the D₁ spacing shownon FIG. 23. Similarly, D₅, which indicates a spacing between anuppermost pin 280 or 282 and a top edge 284 of the recess 90, may beabout the same as the D₅ spacing shown on FIG. 23. D₉, which indicates aspacing between a lowermost pin 280 or 282 and a bottom edge 286 of therecess 90, may be about the same as the D₆ spacing shown on FIG. 23. D₇may range from 30 mm to 60 mm. In some instances, D₇ may range from 40mm to 50 mm. In some instances, D₇ may be about 44.5 mm. D₈ may be lessthan about 8 mm. D₈ may be between about 4.5 mm and about 6.5 mm. D₉ maybe about 18 mm or less. In some cases, D₉ may be between about 14.5 mmand about 16.5 mm.

The first column of pins 280 in FIG. 24 may be substantially parallelwith the second column of pins 282. In some cases, the first column ofpins 280 may be substantially vertically aligned with the second columnof pins 282. As illustrated, the first column of pins 280 and the secondcolumn of pins 282 may be vertically closer to the top edge 284 of therecess 90 than to the bottom edge 286. Accordingly, and in comparisonwith FIG. 23, it will be appreciated that the thermostat 82 will onlyfit onto the wall plate 84 in a single orientation. One can't accidentlymount the thermostat 82 upside down or sideways, for example. It iscontemplated that these mechanical alignment and fitment features may becarried out through a line of compatible thermostats.

FIGS. 25 and 26 are front plan views of the wall plate 84, showing thedoor 194 attached but in an open position in which the door 194 does notblock access to the interior of the wall plate 84. As can be seen, someof the wiring terminals are arranged so that more commonly used wiringterminals are spaced apart in order to provide additional finger spacefor inserting particular field wires. Also, the wiring terminals arelabeled in an easy to read manner. In some cases, some of the morepopular wiring terminals are labeled in a bolder font to make it eveneasier for someone to find them. Conversely, some of the less commonlyused wiring terminals are labeled in a smaller font.

In some cases, a wiring block such as the first wiring connection block190, may include two or more commonly used wiring terminals. The morecommonly used wiring terminals may include, for example, an R terminal,a W terminal (Heat), a G terminal (Fan) and a Y terminal (Cool). Atleast some of these wiring terminals are separated from each other by atleast one intervening wiring terminal. For example, the first wiringconnection block 190 may include a Y terminal and a G terminal that areseparated by at least one intervening terminal. As illustrated, the Yterminal and the G terminal are separated by a Y₂ terminal (e.g. secondstage cooling). In some cases, the first wiring connection block 190 mayalso include a C terminal, as illustrated. In some instances, a wiringblock such as the second wiring connection block 192 may include two ormore of the commonly used wiring terminals that were not utilized in thefirst wiring connection block 190. For example, in some cases, thesecond wiring connection block 192 may include a W terminal and an Rterminal, separated from each other by at least one interveningterminal. As illustrated, the W terminal and the R terminal areseparated by a K terminal.

FIG. 27 is a front view of the wall plate 84 with the door 194 removed.With reference to FIG. 22, certain wire terminals including the R wiringterminal, the R_(C) wiring terminal and the U wiring terminal (sometimeslabeled as the U2 wiring terminal) relative to the lead frame 248, the Uterminal slider 252 and the R terminal slider 254 are identified. The Rwiring terminal may be intended for electrically connecting a field wirefrom a heat transformer. The R_(C) wiring terminal may be intended forelectrically connecting a field wire from a cool and/or fan transformer.The U wiring terminal may be intended for electrically connecting afield wire from an accessory transformer (e.g. humidifier). In somecases, depending on what HVAC equipment is being controlled by thethermostat 82, there may be a desire to electrically couple the R wiringterminal and the R_(C) wiring terminal (e.g. only a heat transformer ispresent). In some cases, there may be a desire to electrically couplethe U wiring terminal and the R_(C) wiring terminal (e.g. a coolingtransformer is present, but no accessory transformer).

Accordingly, the wall plate 84 may be configured to provide easy jumperfunctionality. In some cases, the R terminal slider 254 and a portion ofthe lead frame 248, as will be discussed, may, in combination, beconsidered as functioning as a R switch that is manually movable betweena closed position in which the R switch electrically connects the Rwiring terminal and the R_(C) wiring terminal, and an open position inwhich the R switch electrically disconnects the R wiring terminal andthe R_(C) wiring terminal. In some cases, the U terminal slider 252 anda portion of the lead frame 248, as will be discussed, may, incombination be considered as functioning as a U switch that is manuallymovable between a closed position in which the U switch electricallyconnects the R_(C) wiring terminal and the U wiring terminal, and anopen position in which the U switch electrically disconnects the R_(C)wiring terminal and the U wiring terminal.

In some instances, an installer may determine the presence or absence ofa heat transformer, a cooling or fan transformer, and an accessorytransformer. The installer may then set the R switch and the U switchaccordingly. In some cases, and with brief reference to FIG. 25, a label290 may indicate a direction to slide the R terminal slider 254 in orderto close the R switch and a label 292 may indicate a direction to slidethe U terminal slider 252 in order to close the U switch. For example,the installer may close the R switch if it is determined that there is asingle HVAC transformer for heating and cooling, and one side of thesingle transformer is wired to the R wiring terminal. The installer mayopen the R switch if there is a heating transformer for heating and aseparate cooling transformer for cooling, and one side of the heatingtransformer is wired to the R wiring terminal and one side of thecooling transformer is wired to the R_(C) wiring terminal. In somecases, the installer may open the U switch if an accessory uses its owntransformer, and one side of the accessory transformer is wired to the Uwiring terminal. The U switch may be closed, however, if an accessory isconfigured to utilize the heating or cooling transformer.

FIG. 28 provides an enlarged view of the lead frame 248 visible in FIG.22. The lead frame 248 may be considered as including an R leg 300, anR_(C) leg 302 and a U leg 304. The lead frame 248 includes a centralmounting portion 306 which may be secured to the back housing portion180 b. The R leg 300 may be considered as radiating outward from thecentral mounting portion 306. The R_(C) leg 302 may be considered asradiating outward from the central mounting portion 306. The U leg 304may be considered as radiating outward from the central mounting portion306.

As the lead frame 248 may be stamped out of a single piece of conductivematerial, such as a metal, it will be appreciated that the R leg 300,the R_(C) leg 302 and the U leg 304 are all electrically connectedtogether. The R leg 300 and the R_(C) leg 302 may, for example, beconsidered as being part of the aforementioned R switch while the U leg304 may be considered as being part of the aforementioned U switch. Insome cases, the R leg 300 may be moveable via the R terminal slider 254between a closed position in which the R leg 300 is electrically coupledwith the R wiring terminal and an open position in which the R leg 300is not electrically coupled with the R wiring terminal. In someinstances, the R_(C) leg 302 remains electrically coupled with the R_(C)wiring terminal. In some cases, the U leg 304 may be moveable via the Uterminal slider 252 between a closed position in which the U leg 304 iselectrically coupled with the U wiring terminal and an open position inwhich the U leg 304 is not electrically coupled with the U wiringterminal.

In some cases, the U terminal slider 252 includes a cam 314 (shown inphantom in FIG. 22) that lifts the U leg 304 out of contact with the Uwiring terminal when the U leg is in the open position. In some cases,the R terminal slider 254 includes a cam that lifts the R leg 300 out ofcontact with the R wiring terminal when the R leg is in the openposition. FIG. 29 provides further detail regarding the R terminalslider 254, disposed relative to the lead frame 248, the R wiringterminal and the R_(C) wiring terminal. The illustrative R terminalslider 254 includes a central track portion 308 that is configured toslidingly engage the housing of the wall plate 84. A cam portion 310extends in a first direction from the central track portion 308 and isconfigured to lift the R leg 300 out of electrical contact with the Rwiring terminal when the R terminal slider 254 is moved to the openposition. A body portion 312 extends in a second direction from thecentral track portion 308 and is configured to provide a handle forengaging the R terminal slider 254 and in some cases is configured tophysically block access to the R_(C) wiring terminal when the R terminalslider 254 is in the closed position, thereby preventing the installerfrom inadvertently connecting a heating transformer to a coolingtransformer.

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of a thermostat 320 that isconfigured to be used in combination with a wall plate, such as the wallplate 84, which has a jumper switch such as the R switch and/or the Uswitch previously discussed. The thermostat 320 is configured to bereleasably secured to a wall plate that is itself configured to besecured to a wall and provide electrical connections between thethermostat 320 and the HVAC equipment 6 (FIG. 1) that is to becontrolled by the thermostat 320. The illustrative thermostat 320includes a controller 322 that is disposed within a housing 326 and isconfigured to be operatively coupled to a plurality of pin terminals(not shown) of the thermostat 320. In some cases, the plurality of pinterminals may include the pins 280 and 282 (e.g. see FIG. 24). A jumperswitch position detector 324 may be configured to inform the controller322 as to whether the jumper switch (e.g. R terminal slider 254) of thewall plate 84 is in a first position or a second position, as previouslydiscussed. In some cases, the controller 322 may be configured to changethe control of at least some functionality of either the thermostat 320and/or the HVAC equipment 6 in accordance with whether the jumper switchis in the first position or in the second position. In some cases, thefirst position of the jumper switch corresponds to the jumper switchbeing in an open position in which the jumper switch does notelectrically connect the R wire terminal and the R_(C) wire terminal. Insome cases, the second position of the jumper switch corresponds to thejumper switch being in a closed position in which the jumper switch doeselectrically connect the R wire terminal and the R_(C) wire terminal.

FIG. 31 is a back view of an illustrative thermostat 330 that includes aplunger-style jumper switch position detector. The thermostat 330includes an aperture 332 that accommodates a plunger 334 that extendsout of the back of the thermostat 330. In some cases, the plunger 334 isarranged to align with an aperture 336 (see FIG. 17) that is blockedwhen the R terminal slider 254 is in an up position and is open when theR terminal slider 254 is in a down position. If the plunger 334 is ableto extend into the aperture 336, the thermostat 330 then can detect thatthe R terminal slider 254 is in the down (e.g. closed) position. If theplunger 334 is not able to extend into the aperture 336, the thermostat330 determines that the R terminal slider 254 is in the up (e.g. open)position. As seen in FIG. 32, the plunger 334 may be biased to anextended position via a spring 338. In some cases, if the plunger 334 isextended, a light beam provided within an optical interrupter 340 is notinterrupted while if the plunger 334 is not extended the light beam isinterrupted. The optical interruption may then be detected.

FIG. 33 is a back view of another illustrative thermostat 350 thatincludes a photo-detector type jumper switch position detector. Theillustrative thermostat 350 includes a first photo detector 352 and asecond photo detector 354. As can be seen in FIG. 34A, which shows anillustrative R terminal slider 254 in a down position, the R terminalslider 254 itself has a first optical pattern represented by diagonalcross-hatching in FIG. 34A. An area 356 of the wall plate housingproximate the R terminal slider 254 may have a second optical patternrepresented by horizontal cross-hatching. When the jumper (e.g. Rterminal slider 254) is in a first position, as represented by FIG. 34A,the first photo detector 352 sees the first optical pattern on the Rterminal slider 254 while the second photo detector 354 sees the secondoptical pattern on the wall plate housing in area 356. When the jumper(e.g. R terminal slider 254) is in a second position, as represented byFIG. 34B, the first photo detector 352 and the second photo detector 354both see the first optical pattern on the R terminal slider 254. Acontroller of the thermostat 350, which is coupled to the first photodetector 352 and the second photo detector 354, may then determine theposition of the jumper (e.g. R terminal slider 254) of the wall plate 84based on the detected optical patterns.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of an illustrative thermostat 360 shown inposition relative to an illustrative wall covering plate 362. In somecases, the thermostat 360 may be securable to a wall plate 84. The wallcovering plate 362 may be secured to the wall 372 around the wall plate84, as shown in FIG. 36. The illustrative wall covering plate mayinclude a substrate 364 having a back surface 366 that is configured tobe secured to a wall 372 and an opposing front surface 368. An opening370 may be formed through the substrate 364 that is configured to fitaround the wall plate 84, meaning that the wall covering plate 362 maybe secured to the wall 372 even after the wall plate 84 has been mountedto the wall 372. In some cases, the substrate 364 is thin enough to fitbetween the wall 372 and a back surface of a connected thermostat, suchas the thermostat 360, without interfering with any electrical and/ormechanical connections between the wall plate 84 and the thermostat 360.In some cases, the wall covering plate 362 may have a thickness thatranges from about 0.2 mm to about 0.5 mm, at least in the region thatfalls between the wall 372 and the thermostat 360. As can be seen inFIG. 35, for example, the wall covering plate 362 may have a lengthand/or a width that is larger than corresponding dimensions of thethermostat 360 such that the wall covering plate 362 may cover wallblemishes or the like.

In some cases, as seen in FIGS. 37A-37C, the wall covering plate 362 mayinclude an adhesive layer 374 that is disposed on the back surface 366.In some cases, the adhesive layer 374 may follow a perimeter of the backsurface 366, but this is not required. If an adhesive layer 374 ispresent, a backer layer 380 may be disposed over the back surface 366and the adhesive layer 374 to protect the adhesive layer 374 untilinstallation. In other cases, no adhesive is used, and instead the wallcovering plate 362 may form a frictional fit with the wall plate 84. Insome cases, the wall covering plate 362 may simply be captured betweenthe wall 372 and a back of the thermostat 360. In some cases, thesubstrate 364 may be polymeric. In some cases, the substrate 364 may beflexible.

FIG. 38 is a front view of the adapter plate 86, illustrating howinclusion of a plurality of junction box mounting apertures provideflexibility in securing the adapter plate 86 to a variety of differentjunction box configurations. For example, mounting apertures 400 and 402may be used to secure the adapter plate 86 to a single-wide junction boxthat is situated in a vertical orientation. For securing the adapterplate 86 to a single-wide junction box that is situated in a horizontalorientation (probably less likely than the vertical orientation),mounting apertures 404 and 406 may be utilized. For securing the adapterplate 86 to a double-wide (or square) junction box, mounting apertures408, 410, 412 and 414 may be used. By providing these various mountingapertures, a single adapter plate 86 may be used in a variety ofdifferent installations.

FIGS. 39 and 40 illustrate efficiently locating a printed circuit boardwithin a thermostat via alignment of the pins extending from the printedcircuit board and through apertures within a rear surface of thethermostat. FIG. 39 is an exploded rear perspective view of anillustrative thermostat housing 500 in combination with a printedcircuit board 502, while FIG. 40 shows a back view of the assembly. Theprinted circuit board 502 includes a first pin header 504 and a firstrow 506 of terminal pins that are disposed in the first pin header 504.The illustrative printed circuit board 502 also includes a second pinheader 508 and a second row 510 of terminal pins that are disposed inthe second pin header 508. As seen in FIG. 40, the thermostat housing500 includes a first row of apertures 512 that are configured toaccommodate the first row 506 of terminal pins and a second row ofapertures 514 that are configured to accommodate the second row 510 ofterminal pins.

In some cases, the first row of apertures 512 may include a lateralalignment aperture 516 that is configured to provide a tighter fit witha corresponding one of the first row 506 of terminal pins in order toprovide a lateral alignment of the printed circuit board 502 relative tothe thermostat housing 500. In some cases, the lateral alignmentaperture 516 may have a smaller dimension (e.g. diameter) than other ofthe apertures. In some cases, the first row of apertures 512 may includea rotational alignment aperture 518. In some instances, the rotationalalignment aperture 518 may have a narrowed dimension in a firstdimension (e.g. up-down) and a wider dimension in an orthogonaldirection (e.g. left-right). In some cases, the rotational alignmentaperture 518 may be oblong or elliptical in shape. The rotationalalignment aperture 518 may be configured to provide a tighter fit withanother of the first row 506 of terminal pins in order to provide arotational alignment of the printed circuit board 502 relative to thethermostat housing 500.

In some cases, the wider dimension in the orthogonal direction mayreduce stress applied to the corresponding terminal pin when assemblingthe printed circuit board 502 with the thermostat housing 500 and/orduring subsequent use. In some cases, the remainder of the first row ofapertures 512, apart from the lateral alignment aperture 516 and therotational alignment aperture 518, may be dimensioned looser, relativeto a diameter of the terminal pins, in order to reduce stress duringassembly and/or use. Thus, in some cases, the remainder of the first rowof apertures 512 and/or the second row of apertures 514, may havediameters that exceed the diameters of the terminal pins. In some cases,as illustrated, the lateral alignment aperture 516 may be located at thetop of the first row of apertures 512 while the rotational alignmentaperture 518 may be located at the bottom of the first row of apertures512. In some instances, the lateral alignment aperture 516 and/or therotational alignment aperture 518 may be located in other positions withthe first row of apertures 512 and/or the second row of apertures 514.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure maybe manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodimentsdescribed and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form anddetail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of thepresent disclosure as described in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wall mountable connector for securing athermostat to a wall, the wall mountable connector comprising: a housinghaving a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side, the backside is configured to be mountable toward the wall; the housing defininga field wire receiving cavity; the housing defining a field wireaperture through the back side of the housing and into the field wirereceiving cavity, the field wire aperture configured to accommodate oneor more field wires; a first wiring connection block positioned along aleft side of the field wire receiving cavity, the first wiringconnection block configured to electrically connect to one or more fieldwires; a first column of pin terminals positioned along the left side ofthe field wire receiving cavity and adjacent the first wiring connectionblock, the first column of pin terminals configured to accept acorresponding first column of pins of the thermostat; a second wiringconnection block positioned along a right side of the field wirereceiving cavity, the second wiring connection block configured toelectrically connect to one or more field wires; a second column of pinterminals positioned along the right side of the field wire receivingcavity and adjacent the second wiring connection block, the secondcolumn of pin terminals configured to accept a corresponding secondcolumn of pins of the thermostat; an upper mounting feature disposed inan upper portion of the wall mountable connector; a first lower mountingfeature disposed in a lower portion of the wall mountable connector, thefirst lower mounting feature offset to the left of the upper mountingfeature; and a second lower mounting feature disposed in the lowerportion of the wall mountable connector, the second lower mountingfeature offset to the right of the upper mounting feature.
 2. The wallmountable connector of claim 1, wherein the upper mounting featurecomprises a vertically aligned elongate slot.
 3. The wall mountableconnector of claim 2, wherein the first lower mounting feature comprisesan elongate slot oriented diagonally and to the left relative to thevertically aligned elongate slot.
 4. The wall mountable connector ofclaim 3, wherein the second lower mounting feature comprises an elongateslot oriented diagonally and to the right relative to the verticallyaligned elongate slot.
 5. The wall mountable connector of claim 1,wherein the first lower mounting feature is disposed near a lower leftcorner of the wall mountable connector, and the second lower mountingfeature is disposed near a lower right corner of the wall mountableconnector.
 6. The wall mountable connector of claim 1, wherein the uppermounting feature, the first lower mounting feature and/or the secondlower mounting feature comprise an aperture with a reduced heightshoulder surrounding the aperture to accommodate a fastener head.
 7. Awall mountable connector for securing a thermostat to a wall, the wallmountable connector comprising: a housing having a front side, a backside, a left side and a right side, and a top side, the back side isconfigured to be mountable toward the wall; the housing defining a fieldwire receiving cavity; the housing defining a field wire aperturethrough the back side of the housing and into the field wire receivingcavity, the field wire aperture configured to accommodate one or morefield wires; a first wiring connection block positioned along a leftside of the field wire receiving cavity, the first wiring connectionblock configured to electrically connect to one or more field wires; asecond wiring connection block positioned along a right side of thefield wire receiving cavity, the second wiring connection blockconfigured to electrically connect to one or more field wires; a firstmounting feature and a second mounting feature, wherein the firstmounting feature is offset horizontally to the left of the field wireaperture, and the second mounting feature is offset horizontally to theright of the field wire aperture; a third mounting feature offsetvertically from the first mounting feature and/or the second mountingfeature; and a mounting tab extending vertically from the top side ofthe housing and above the field wire receiving cavity, wherein themounting tab including the third mounting feature.
 8. The wall mountableconnector of claim 7, wherein the first mounting feature is offset tothe left of the field wire aperture by no more than 1.5 inches, and thesecond mounting feature is offset to the right of the field wireaperture by no more than 1.5 inches.
 9. The wall mountable connector ofclaim 7, wherein the third mounting feature is positioned between thefirst mounting feature and the second mounting feature, but verticallyoffset from the first mounting feature and/or the second mountingfeature.
 10. The wall mountable connector of claim 7, wherein the firstmounting feature and the second mounting feature are located along alower edge of the wall mountable connector, and the third mountingfeature is located along an upper edge of the wall mountable connector.11. The wall mountable connector of claim 10, wherein the first mountingfeature, the second mounting feature and the third mounting feature arelocated at the vertices of an isosceles triangle.
 12. The wall mountableconnector of claim 10, wherein the first mounting feature, the secondmounting feature and the third mounting feature are located at thevertices of an equilateral triangle.
 13. The wall mountable connector ofclaim 7, wherein the third mounting feature comprises a verticallyaligned elongate slot.
 14. The wall mountable connector of claim 13,wherein the first mounting feature comprises an elongate slot orienteddiagonally and to the left relative to the vertically aligned elongateslot.
 15. The wall mountable connector of claim 14, wherein the secondmounting feature comprises an elongate slot oriented diagonally and tothe right relative to the vertically aligned elongate slot.
 16. The wallmountable connector claim 7, wherein the first mounting feature isdisposed near a lower left corner of the wall mountable connector, andthe second mounting feature is disposed near a lower right corner of thewall mountable connector.
 17. The wall mountable connector of claim 16,wherein the third mounting feature is disposed near an upper edge of thewall mountable connector.
 18. A wall mountable connector for securing athermostat to a wall, the wall mountable connector comprising: a housinghaving a front side, a back side, a left side and a right side, the backside is configured to be mountable toward the wall; the housing defininga field wire aperture through the back side of the housing toaccommodate one or more field wires; a first mounting feature and asecond mounting feature, wherein the first mounting feature is offsethorizontally to the left of a left side of the field wire aperture, andthe second mounting feature is offset horizontally to the right of thefield wire aperture; and a door that is movable between an open positionin which the field wire receiving cavity is exposed and a closedposition in which the door covers the field wire receiving cavity butdoes not cover the first mounting feature or the second mountingfeature.
 19. The wall mountable connector of claim 18, wherein the firstmounting feature is disposed near a lower left corner of the wallmountable connector, and the second mounting feature is disposed near alower right corner of the wall mountable connector.
 20. The wallmountable connector of claim 19, wherein the first mounting feature isspaced in a leftward direction by no more than 1.5 inches from a planeextending vertically through a left most point of the field wireaperture, and the second mounting feature is spaced in a rightwarddirection by no more than 1.5 inches from a plane extending verticallythrough a right most point of the field wire aperture, and wherein thewall mountable connector further comprising a third mounting featurespaced in a vertically direction above the field wire aperture.